Dael Fry of Middlesbrough warming up during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City and Middlesbrough at the KCOM Stadium, Kingston upon Hull, England on 31 October 2017. Photo by Paul Thompson.

Liverpool keeping tabs on Middlesbrough defender

Dael Fry of Middlesbrough warming up during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City and Middlesbrough at the KCOM Stadium, Kingston upon Hull, England on 31 October 2017. Photo by Paul Thompson.

Liverpool are monitoring the progress of Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry, according to the Sunday Express (18.11.18, page 41).

The 21-year-old has impressed for Boro in the Championship this season and his form has not gone unnoticed.

Fry has represented England at all youth levels from U17 to U21 and is being tipped for a big future in the game.

He was born in Middlesbrough and joined his local side at the age of seven. Fry rose through the academy at the Riverside and was a key player in their youth sides.

Fry made his first-team debut for Boro at the age of 17 on the opening day of the 2015/16 season in the Championship in a 0-0 draw at home to Preston North End, in which he obtained the Man of the Match award.

The 6ft 4inc defender played seven more times for Boro in that campaign in which they gained promotion to the Premier League under Aitor Karanka. However, in the following season Fry enjoyed a loan spell in the Championship with Rotherham United.

Middlesbrough were relegated from the top flight in 2017 which gave Fry a chance in their first-team last season and he has since nailed down a regular starting position.

With Liverpool showing an interest in acquiring him in the January transfer window, Boro will face a battle to hold onto their key asset. Fry has become an important player for Tony Pulis’ side and will play a key part in their promotion push this season assuming they can see off interest from the Reds.